Burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis and potential benefits of a pentavalent rotavirus vaccination in Belgium

J Med Econ. 2008;11(3):431-48. doi: 10.3111/13696990802306162.

Abstract

Objective and methods: A decision analytic model was built to assess the paediatric rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) burden and potential benefits associated with the introduction of RotaTeq (pentavalent rotavirus vaccine) in Belgium.

Results: In the absence of a rotavirus (RV) immunisation programme, paediatric RVGE was estimated to account for about 5,860 hospitalisations, 1,720 cases of nosocomial infections, 9,410 cases treated by general practitioners/paediatricians (GP/P) and 10,790 cases not seeking medical care for a birth cohort followed up to 5 years of age. Paediatric RVGE was estimated to cost about euro9.0 million from the Belgian healthcare provider perspective and euro15.3 million to society. Given a 90% RV vaccination coverage rate, the pentavalent RV vaccine would have a high impact on RV burden by preventing more than 4,850 hospitalisations, 995 cases of nosocomial infections, 7,145 cases treated by GP/P and 8,190 cases not seeking medical care, and reduce RVGE costs by euro7.1 million from the Belgian healthcare provider perspective and euro12.0 million to society.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Belgium / epidemiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Decision Support Techniques
  • Gastroenteritis / prevention & control*
  • Gastroenteritis / virology
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs / economics
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Models, Economic
  • Rotavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Rotavirus Vaccines / economics*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Vaccines, Attenuated / economics

Substances

  • RotaTeq
  • Rotavirus Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Attenuated